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Ó Snodaigh welcomes publication of UN reform report

3 December, 2004

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on International Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has
welcomed the report of the UN High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and
Change released earlier today.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh said, "UN reform is a key issue of concern for Sinn Féin.
This report is of major importance and we will be studying its 101
recommendations in detail. We will also be publishing a considered position
in response in due course. These proposals for UN reform must be fully
debated by the Irish people and also in our legislature before the special
UN Summit of world leaders decides a programme of action in September 2006.
Ireland can and must take a leadership role to ensure that the reforms are
progressive and effective.

"I welcome that the report has characterised development as the 'first line
of defence for prevention' and appears to have also confirmed that
unilateral preemptive action such as the invasion of Iraq is illegitimate in
the eyes of the international community. However, we will need to look
closely at the detail on Security Council authorisation for preventive
intervention.

"Democratisation of the Security Council is another essential ingredient.
We will closely consider the two options on the table for Security Council
reform.

"It is unfortunate that the report does not provide sufficient detail in the
recommendations around increasing UN peacekeeping capacity.

"The wrong formula on any of these issues could make present problems
worse." ENDS